You’ve seen it time and time again:

Brilliant, capable clients paralyzed by self-doubt, stuck no matter how much you try to help.

You’ve tried it all — mindset shifts, pep talks, generic tools — but nothing sticks.

And that’s a serious problem.

Because impostor syndrome isn’t just self-doubt…

It’s a career killer.

Your clients hold themselves back from the promotions they deserve.

They shrink from big opportunities.

And even when they succeed, they never truly own it, always wondering if they’re frauds.

Sound familiar?

If so, it’s not because your coaching isn’t good enough.

It’s because traditional coaching methods aren’t designed to tackle impostor syndrome at its root.

Impostor syndrome is more than just a mindset problem.

It won’t be solved by simplistic and temporary advice like encouraging clients to list their accomplishments or keep a success file.

It’s a complex experience. One that’s shaped by more than just upbringing or societal pressures.

That’s why it requires a targeted approach to root it out.

We’ve spent over 40 years decoding impostor syndrome and refining a research-backed approach to eliminate it — one that gives coaches the right tools to help clients break free from its grip permanently.

And now…

We’ve made it easier than ever to master.

INTRODUCING…

Impostor Syndrome Institute’s
On-Demand Coach Training

For the first time ever, we’ve made our most comprehensive coach training available on demand, so you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world.

It will ensure your coaching goes beyond surface-level fixes and creates real, lasting transformation for your clients.

With The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ Training you’ll have:

Plus, because Impostor Syndrome Institute is an accredited educational provider of the International Coaching Federation, you can earn 20 ICF Continuing Coaching Education (CCE) credits.

Impostor syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of their success or status.

You can often see it in high-performing CEOs, executive leaders, entrepreneurs, and rising professionals alike — people who, despite their success, constantly feel like they don’t belong.

And when they come to you as their coach, they expect results.

They don’t need another pep talk (that’s what other coaches they’ve hired have tried to do, and failed).

And they don’t need more basic “mindset” tactics.

What they need is a strategic approach that reframes the way they think about competence.

This is how they can finally stop feeling like frauds and start owning their success.

We’ve designed The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ Training to equip you to do exactly that.

You’ll discover how to:

• Recognize the hidden patterns of impostor syndrome in any client — no matter their industry,
  experience, or background
• Uncover the real reasons they feel like frauds (it’s rarely what they think!)
• Guide them through practical shifts that last — without crossing the line into therapy
• Help them move from self-doubt to self-trust using tools designed for real-world coaching
  conversations

When your clients finally break free from impostor syndrome, they stop playing small.

They go after promotions. They grow their business. They take center stage. They raise their rates, pitch
their ideas, and unapologetically step into their full potential.

And as a coach, you become the go-to expert they trust to help them get there.

You can do so with confidence, too, because you’re learning from the most trusted and respected
authority on impostor syndrome.

For over 40 years, Impostor Syndrome Institute has been the leading authority on research, tools, and
training for understanding and overcoming impostor syndrome.

We’ve worked with top organizations like Google, Microsoft, NASA, and Pfizer, and helped over 500,000 professionals worldwide move past self-doubt and into true confidence.

Three years ago, in response to the growing demand from coaches, we launched our first-ever coach training — designed specifically for professional coaches.

Since then, we’ve trained coaches in 22 countries — including Bulgaria, Denmark, Scotland, France, Ireland, the UK, Spain, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Portugal, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and across the US.

Valerie Young is to impostor syndrome what
Brené Brown is to vulnerability.

Mark Leruste, founder of The Unconventionalists

Dr. Young’s advice has been featured by TED, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, TIME, The New York Times, Science, and O Magazine.

Her book, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women And Men, has been translated into 8 languages including Korean, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

Even Dr. Suzanne Imes, co-discoverer of the impostor phenomenon, calls Dr. Young a “mapmaker” — someone who has gone beyond research to create practical, real-world solutions that help people overcome impostor syndrome for good.

It’s why Dr. Imes told us she recommends Valerie’s book to all of her clients and students struggling with impostor feelings.

Through her groundbreaking career, Dr. Young has:

And now, for the first time…

You can learn directly from Dr. Young inside The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ Training
at your own pace.

You’ll have access to her proven coaching framework, practical tools, and expert insights to help
your clients break free from impostor syndrome once and for all.

Since then, she’s had extensive personal experience addressing impostor syndrome with people from
diverse groups and ages, including:

• Tens of thousands of professionals in corporate employee resource groups (ERGs) for women, early
  career professionals, Asian Americans, and their champions
• First-generation students at MIT and Yale Law School
• Native American and Hispanic engineering students
• The Men of Color in STEM Symposium
• Black and Hispanic PhD students in engineering, chemistry, and physics
• Dozens of campus chapters of Women in Science and Engineering
• Even high-achieving high school students in the US and Canada
• Impostor syndrome is not unique to women.

Plenty of men experience impostor feelings… some painfully so.

We’ve met or worked with thousands of successful men including…

• A senior officer in the Canadian Mounted Police
• An attorney who argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court
• A professor who was awarded the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” prize
• A team of aerospace engineers grappling with the “sheer terror” they feel at the start of a major project

That’s why you need a structured yet flexible approach that prepares you to address impostor syndrome with greater empathy, precision, and confidence regardless of your client’s gender.

With The Impostor Syndrome Informed Coach™ you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how age, gender, race, class, and other societal factors can contribute to impostor syndrome for your clients — or yourself

Most clients believe their lack of confidence “proves” they’re an impostor.

That’s why many coaching strategies focus on boosting confidence — but this approach completely misses the root issue.

Breaking free from impostor syndrome isn’t about telling clients to “believe in themselves.”

It starts with understanding how the rare few who never experience impostor syndrome think differently.

And while many assume the opposite of impostor syndrome is either arrogance or incompetence…

It’s not.

Instead, it’s what we call being a Humble Realist™.

These individuals aren’t more talented than your clients. They don’t always feel confident.

The difference?

They have a healthier, more realistic understanding of competence.

That’s why a key part of The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ Training is learning how to help clients reframe their definition of competence — so they stop mistaking self-doubt for proof they’re not up to the job.

And as part of learning how to do that, you’ll become intimately familiar with Dr. Young’s pioneering work on the five types of impostor syndrome:

Your clients have likely heard of these types before…

Unfortunately, many of those nearly 5 million references online are misleading or flat-out wrong.

And as a coach, misinformation can do more harm than good.

That’s why this training provides accurate insight into these impostor types — and, more importantly, how to coach each one effectively.

Coaching clients on a highly nuanced experience like impostor syndrome requires expert guidance.

And there’s no one better to guide you than Denise McClennen, a masterful coach in the field.

A 30-year executive coach and expert trainer, Denise has helped executives, entrepreneurs, and high-
achieving professionals reframe failure, build resilience, and move past impostor syndrome once and for
all.

Her credentials speak for themselves:

• Specialist in neuroscience, vertical development, and complexity
• Certified in Enneagram (Train-the-Trainer), DiSC, Conscious Leadership Coaching, and The
  Neuroscience Academy
• One of only 3 companies nationwide chosen as a Partner with Amy Edmondson’s Fearless Organization Scan for psychological safety

Her expertise is woven into every tool and strategy inside this training — so you’ll know exactly how to
translate Dr. Valerie Young’s conceptual approach to impostor syndrome into actionable coaching
practices.

To that end…

You’ll also get to watch real coaching sessions where Denise helps clients break free from impostor
syndrome in real-time.

You’ll see exactly how she balances structure with curiosity, meets clients where they are, and helps
them unlock their own transformation.

Here are just a few of the tools you’ll learn how to use:

• Notice and Name – Helps clients recognize impostor-related thought patterns, creating awareness as the first step to change.
• Counting the Cost – A guided exercise that helps clients see the real personal and professional impact of impostor syndrome — so they feel motivated to take action.
• The Polarity Navigator – A tool to help clients balance high standards without falling into perfectionism.
• Looking for Equals – Challenges hidden thought patterns that reinforce impostor syndrome and guides clients toward a healthier self-perception.
• The Trumpet Tool – A step-by-step pattern self-discovery process to uncover the unconscious fears and beliefs fueling impostor syndrome.
• The “List of Rights” – An exercise outlining 21 fundamental performance-related rights your clients may be unknowingly denying themselves, such as the right to make mistakes or have an off-day.
• And much more…

You’ll also learn how to integrate neuroscience principles to reinforce new thought patterns and behaviors — including how to use neural anchoring to help clients internalize new beliefs and act with greater confidence.

These tools are easily adaptable to real-world coaching situations.

You’ll learn how to balance the use of our structured tools with the flexibility to follow the client’s lead.

An adaptive approach that helps your clients feel supported while still progressing towards their goal of
overcoming impostor syndrome.

You want to more effectively help your clients, but when it comes to impostor syndrome — you might feel it, too.

Maybe it happens when you’re meeting a new client for the first time.

Or when you’re struggling to help a client who feels stuck.

Or feel intimidated coaching senior leaders. Even the best coaches experience doubt.

A 2022 Impostor Syndrome Institute™ poll found that 90% of coaches have experienced impostor feelings themselves, and 82% wondered how they could possibly help others while still dealing with their own doubts.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I coach others when I experience impostor syndrome too?” — here’s the answer:

Your ability to identify with your clients on a deep, personal level isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength.

This training will help you:

Many past students joined this program to help others — only to discover that it helped them overcome their own impostor feelings too.

And when it comes to coaching — and indeed, life — confidence matters.

Impostor syndrome is a growing concern for organizations of all shapes and sizes worldwide.

From corporate boardrooms to small businesses, from STEM fields to creative industries, leaders are recognizing that impostor syndrome is hurting productivity, innovation, advancement, retention, and health and wellness.

• Organizations are losing top talent — high achievers are burning out or holding themselves back from leadership
  roles.
• Many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are falling short — without addressing impostor syndrome, underrepresented professionals continue to doubt their worth, even in supportive environments.
• Executives and high-performers are seeking specialized coaching — they want real strategies that go beyond oversimplified mindset shifts and self-affirmations.

You can be the one to help.

The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ Training gives you a highly specialized skill set that sets you apart.

One that these organizations are proven to want, need, and pay for.

We’re not just saying that, either…

Over the past four decades, this approach to breaking free from impostor syndrome has been delivered to:

• Leaders and professionals at top multinational companies like Google, Pfizer, P&G, JP Morgan, Johnson & Johnson, Intel, Siemens Energy, Hello Fresh, Microsoft, KFC, Facebook, AXA, Diageo, Deloitte, and more.
• Diverse organizations including Visibility STEM Africa, the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the National Cancer Institute, the UK College of Policing, NASA, the NBA, and hundreds of others.
• Law partners, associates, and managers at 10 of the world’s top 100 law firms.
• Students, faculty, and administrators from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and over 100 other universities across the US, Canada, Denmark, the UK, and Japan — including a dozen medical schools.
• Professionals across industries such as trucking, commercial real estate, chemistry, financial planning, management consulting, food and beverage manufacturing, sports management, banking, microbiology, accounting, entrepreneurship — even romance writing!

With more organizations seeking research-backed coaching solutions, now is the time to learn this framework and master the coaching tools so you can position yourself as the expert they need.

The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ Training covers everything you need to get started, help your
clients, and yourself.

You’ll leave this training knowing how to…

• Accurately identify impostor syndrome and distinguish it from normal performance anxiety or low self-
  esteem
• Uncover unconscious behaviors associated with impostor syndrome and help your clients see how
  these behaviors serve them and at what cost
• Quickly recognize 7 potential sources of impostor syndrome in your clients
• More quickly recognize two unconscious reasons your client may be hesitant to pursue a higher level
  of success — a promotion, advanced degree, relocation for a better position, business growth —
  reasons that “sound” like impostor syndrome… but are something else entirely
• Understand what it really means to “normalize” impostor syndrome, including six ways normalizing can empower your client
• Recognize 7 potential reasons your client may unconsciously resist acting more confident than they feel
• Discover how to use the power of “reframing” with your clients
• Help your clients adopt healthy responses to failure, setbacks, mistakes, and constructive feedback
• Discover a realistic definition of competence that will have your client grabbing for a pen
• Support your client to unlearn impostor syndrome and experience the liberation of becoming Humble Realist™
• Transform your own journey with impostor syndrome into a powerful tool to help your clients reclaim
  their confidence and realize their full potential
• And much more…

You get immediate, 24/7 access to The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ (ISIC) Framework — laid out across 8 Modules

This includes 33 easily digestible training videos with closed captions for enhanced learning.

Structured Reflective Journal Exercises so you can readily apply your learning to your own experience and coaching practice.

Plus you get 10 downloadable tools and worksheets, including:

• Notice and Name
• The Trumpet
• List of Rights
• Counting the Costs
• Looking for Equals
• Polarity Navigator
• Borrow a Mindset
• Frameshift
• Experiment with Assumptions
• Small moves

A complete library of additional resources and relevant research on topics like:

• Racialized impostor phenomenon
• Impostor phenomenon and learning disabilities
• The Competence Rulebook for Mere Mortals, from Valerie Young’s award-winning book
• Cultural resistance to “acting as If”
• Risk-taking and personality types
• What It Means to Have a Self-Authoring Mindset

You’ll even get access to a rare interview with Suzanne Imes nearly 50 years after she and Pauline Clance co-coined the term impostor phenomenon.

Unfortunately, there’s been a lot of misrepresentation of their work. 

What better way to set the record straight than hearing directly from Dr. Imes herself?

Suffice it to say, that it would be impossible for you to gather this wealth of knowledge and tools on your own.

All this, plus the option to earn 20 CEU credits from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).*

Best of all…

Because the entire course is on-demand, you can start your journey to become an Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ at this very moment!

Upon final completion, you’ll receive a digital badge indicating you trained with Impostor Syndrome Institute to become an Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™.

Our Guarantee

We’re so confident that you will leave this training with the knowledge, expert coaching guidance, and hands-on tools you need to close the confidence gap for your clients, that we’re willing to guarantee it.

Complete the first Module, implement what you’ve learned and if you still do not feel you’ve received the knowledge, guidance, and tools you need to be impostor syndrome-informed, your course fee will be refunded in full.

Sadly, impostor syndrome causes far too many competent people to forego their dreams.

It can hold even the most accomplished professionals back.

And it’s frustrating to watch bright, capable clients second-guess themselves, downplay their achievements, and avoid opportunities they should be seizing.

The good news is, you now have a choice…

Try to address impostor syndrome with generic mindset shifts that don’t stick…

Or you can equip yourself with the only research-backed, evidence-based coaching methodology designed specifically to help clients (and you) break free from impostor syndrome — permanently.

With The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ Training, you’ll gain:

More importantly, you’ll walk away with the confidence and skill set to change lives — including your own.

Now is your chance to step into that expertise.

Deep down, you know it’s possible to help others (or yourself) to transform from impostor syndrome to
being a Humble Realist™.

All you need is the right knowledge, guidance, and tools.

If making a difference matters to you, we invite you to join The New On-Demand Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ training.

Q. Is this a certification?

Impostor Syndrome Institute™ was not set up to test for comprehension or evaluate skills.

So while you will not be “certified,” you will be credentialed.

Once you successfully complete the course you will be issued a badge from Impostor Syndrome Institute™ that designates you as an impostor syndrome-informed coach.

In addition, you have the opportunity to earn 20 CCE hours from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) that offers 9 Resource Development and 11 Core Competencies credits. 

Q. Is there any ongoing support following the training?

If you’re someone who thrives in a community setting, you will be invited to join a private Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™ LinkedIn group set up specifically for ISIC graduates.

This is your go-to place to connect with fellow coaches, share articles and resources, and continue to get and give support alongside professionals who share your passion for helping clients unlearn impostor syndrome.

You may also choose to join ISIC ADVANCED. This intensive experience is led personally by Denise McClennen to facilitate mastery of the ISIC Framework & Tools among a small group of your peers.

Q. Why do you use the term impostor syndrome instead of the impostor phenomenon?

The process works, whether you prefer the term, impostor phenomenon. 

Or if, like us, you prefer and use the popularized – and therefore more recognizable term – impostor syndrome…

Not to imply any sort of mental disorder (which it’s not).

But rather to reflect the dictionary definition of “syndrome,” which is:

“A set of concurrent things (such as emotions and actions) that usually form an identifiable pattern.” [Merriam Webster Dictionary]

And that’s precisely what impostor syndrome is.

An identifiable set of self-diminishing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that constitute a pattern.

One that poses a very real threat to clients’ ability to recognize and act on their full potential and feel well-deserved pride in their accomplishments.

Q. Are there any discounts for sending multiple coaches from the same organization?

Yes! We extend increasing discounts when three or more coaches/leaders join this program.

3-5 Save 10%
6-10 Save 15%
11+ Save 20%

Please click this link for details.

Q. I have a deep interest in this topic, but don’t have any formal coaching training. Can I still sign up?

You do not need any formal coaching certification or training to take the course.

Previous attendees have included career counselors, academic advisors, STEM mentors, HR, and DEI consultants.

The common denominator is the desire to help individuals who either struggle with or are known to be in an occupation, organizational culture, or social group that makes them more susceptible to impostor feelings.

So while this is intended to be a course on how to be a coach or that teaches basic coaching skills, you will leave being impostor syndrome informed.